This module focuses on embedding employability within a design curriculum in a seamless and meaningful way within the context of students' future working environments. Students will identify their own strengths and talents, form their own creative agencies and pitch for work to selected live brief clients. The aim of this module is to evaluate critically and develop a focused understanding of the commercial concerns of the creative business sector and to show their own work in a public space. The role of freelance, self-employed creative, the financial demands placed upon designers and the expectations of employers will be explored. It is anticipated that students will understand the changing creative job market and be well placed to make appropriate careers decisions accordingly. Several external talks and visits will focus on design jobs within the design sector and will provide a useful contact network for future internships and work experience.
Contact Hours: 48
Private Study: 252
Total: 300
Main assessment methods
100% Portfolio
Reassessment methods
Like for like
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of key aspects of design as a commercial activity that is outwardly facing, and the critical concerns that surround visibility within this context;
2. Demonstrate sufficient knowledge and understanding to enable them to comment appropriately upon the commercial and contexts of design, and in particular contemporary dynamics, concepts and processes associated with employment;
3. Develop an individual portfolio of appropriate design materials reflecting current practice within the creative industries, using appropriate presentation methods, vocabulary and commercial conventions;
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the role and impact of intellectual property (IP) within professional design practice
5. Evaluate their participation in a group, understand the component parts of a live design project and their interrelation, how to create a timeline and how to evaluate and monitor progress of a project.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Manage and navigate information sources (both electronic and printed)
2. Synthesise information from a number of sources including relevant professional reports, in order to gain a coherent understanding of design and design management processes
3. Illustrate an understanding of team structures and working methods, and the formal processes of maintaining these structures
4. Communicate effectively and well, using a range of communication skills
5. Evidence the use of numbers by ensuring the accuracy and relevance of numerical information including budget calculations.
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